Picking Out The Perfect Outfits For Your Engagement Session

Your Outfit Sets the Tone For Your Session

What you wear for your engagement session is more than just clothing. It’s a reflection of your personalities and the feelings you want to evoke. Whether you’re aiming for a casual, laid-back feel, a more elegant and formal vibe, or something playful and creative, your outfits play a huge role in setting that tone. Think about the story you want your photos to tell. For instance, light, flowy dresses, and soft neutrals may evoke a romantic, dreamy atmosphere, while a sharp suit or sleek dress could give off a more sophisticated, high-fashion vibe.

Consider the Location and Season

Tailor your outfit choices to the environment. If you're in a natural setting, earthy tones or flowy fabrics can complement the outdoors. For a city shoot, you might go for more modern, sleek looks. Also, take the season into account. If you're set on wearing a cute sundress, choose a session date that suits it. Light fabrics are perfect for summer, while cozy layers are ideal for winter!

Comfort in Your Outfit Leads to More Genuine Expressions

Comfort is key to natural, confident engagement photos. When you feel good in your outfit, it boosts your confidence and shows in your posture and expression. Choose clothing that allows you to move freely. If it’s too restrictive or stiff, it can make poses feel awkward and affect the flow of your photos. The more comfortable and at ease you are, the more relaxed and genuine your photos will be.

Coordinate, Don’t Match

While matching outfits may seem like a good idea, it's usually better to coordinate. Think complementary colors instead of identical outfits. This keeps things visually interesting while still looking unified. Soft neutrals, pastels, and earthy tones tend to work really well for this.

Avoid Bright Colors That Reflect onto Your Skin

Bright, neon, or overly saturated colors might seem fun, but they can reflect onto your skin, creating unnatural tones in photos. For instance, a bright red dress could cast a red hue on your face, while a neon green top might reflect an odd tint on your skin. It’s always a safe bet to stick to muted, soft colors or classic neutrals that won’t cause these issues. Opt for colors that flatter your skin tone and avoid anything too harsh or garish. Think soft pastels, warm earth tones, or rich jewel tones for a sophisticated, flattering look.

Keep a Similar Level of Dressiness

When choosing outfits for your engagement session, aim for a similar level of formality between you and your partner. If one person is wearing a formal dress or suit, the other should choose something equally polished like a tailored shirt or an elegant dress. This creates a balanced look and prevents one person from feeling overdressed or underdressed, allowing your connection to take center stage in the photos.

Avoid Bold or Tiny Patterns That Create Visual Disruptions

Bold, large patterns can overpower the photo, while tiny patterns, like pinstripes or small checkered designs, can cause a "vibration" effect, making the images appear blurry or distorted. These types of patterns can be distracting and take attention away from you and your partner. Stick to solid colors or more subtle, larger patterns to keep the focus on your connection.

Think About Footwear

Comfort is key, especially for long shoots involving walking or standing. Choose shoes that complement your outfit while still being practical. If your shoes are hard to move around in, it can affect your posing and overall comfort. Consider slip-ons to wear between locations if your shoes are somewhat unfomfortable, to keep your feet from hurting more during your session, and give you a break in between shots.

Bring a Change of Clothes

This is optional, but bringing a second outfit can be a great idea for variety! You can opt for something more formal for one part of the session and something casual for another, offering different vibes for your photos.

Finalizing Your Choices

Take time to carefully select your outfits a few days before the session to avoid the stress of last-minute decisions. Make sure each outfit is clean, wrinkle-free, and in good condition, so you’re ready to go without any last-minute surprises. This also gives you a chance to ensure the pieces work well together in terms of color and style.

Preparing for the Session Day

Pack a small bag with all the essentials you might need, like an extra outfit, touch-up makeup, hair tools, and any other items that could help you feel prepared. Arriving early at the session location gives you time to breathe, settle in, and get comfortable before you start. This extra time will help you feel calm and ready to enjoy the experience.

Be Yourself!

Ultimately, the best outfits are the ones that make you feel like you. The goal of your engagement session is to capture the real, authentic connection between you and your partner. When you dress in a way that feels true to who you are, you’ll naturally feel more comfortable and at ease, which will shine through in your photos.